A Split Preseason
The Chicago Bulls kicked off preseason on Oct. 6 and ended it on Oct. 24. Over the course of those 18 days, they played eight total games, and went 4-4. Kirk played in all eight games, and he had his best game on Oct. 19 in a 101-96 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Bulls power forward Taj Gibson also spoke of Kirk's big performance in a video from the Chicago Tribune.
Listed below are Kirk's statistics from the entire preseason.
- Minutes
- Total: 195
- Average: 24.4
- Field Goals Made-Attempted
- Average:2.875-7.375
- Total: 23-59
- Field Goal Percentage: 38.983%
- 3-Point Field Goals Made-Attempted
- Average: 0.875-3.25
- Total: 7-26
- 3-Point Field Goal Percentage: 26.923%
- Free Throws Made-Attempted
- Average: 1.125-1.5
- Total: 9-12
- Free Throw Percentage: 75%
- Offensive Rebounds
- Average: 0.125
- Total: 1
- Defensive Rebounds
- Average: 1.25
- Total: 10
- Total Rebounds
- Average: 1.375
- Total: 11
- Assists
- Average: 3.25
- Total: 26
- Steals
- Average: 0.625
- Total: 5
- Blocks
- Average: 0.125
- Total: 1
- Turnovers
- Average: 0.875
- Total: 7
- Personal Fouls:
- Average: 2.625
- Total: 21
- +/-
- Average: -1
- Total: -8
- Points
- Average: 7.875
- Total: 63
The Next Head Coach?
NBA.com posted the results to its annual GM survey on Oct. 22, and apparently general managers think Kirk has what it takes to be a head coach in the league.
Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau shared his thoughts about Hinrich's place in the poll with the media and spoke about which of his players should go into coaching. Kirk was also asked about the poll and responded to it.Which active player will make the best head coach someday?1. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 24.0%2. Steve Blake, Portland -- 12.0%3. Kirk Hinrich, Chicago -- 8.0%Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers -- 8.0%4. Mike Conley, Memphis -- 6.0%Jarrett Jack, Brooklyn -- 6.0%Also receiving votes: Caron Butler, Detroit; Jared Dudley, Milwaukee; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Willie Green, Orlando; Andre Miller, Washington; Nazr Mohammed, Chicago; Jameer Nelson, Dallas; J.J. Redick, L.A. Clippers; Rajon Rondo, BostonLast year: Chauncey Billups -- 32.1%
In the Media
Here are articles written about Kirk in the past month that are worth a look. The last two pieces can also be found in Oct. 28's Articles to Check Out.
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| Photo credit to Ned Dishman/NBAE/Getty Images |
From the Chicago Bulls' Senior Manager of Digital Adam Fluck
Preview quote:
As he enters another his 12th NBA season, nine of which have been spent with the Bulls, he does so with a sense of optimism regarding how he’s feeling physically and what the team might accomplish.
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| Photo credit to Mike DiNovo/USA TODAY Sports |
From ESPN Chicago's Nick Friedell
Preview quote:
The love affair between Hinrich and the Bulls' organization only seems to be growing stronger over time. Even after getting traded to Washington in 2010 and then being dealt to Atlanta in 2011, Hinrich kept the same house in suburban Chicago. He says he's not thinking about retirement at this point, but the biggest key for him will be continuing to limit minutes when possible.
| Photo credit to Brian Cassella, Chicago Tribune |
From the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson
Preview quote:
In July, Hinrich turned down more lucrative offers for the second time in three summers to re-sign with the Bulls. Even better? Hinrich is honest about how difficult it is to put your money where your mouth is.
| Photo credit to Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago Tribune |
From the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson
Preview quote:
Why my favoritism for Kirk Hinrich can’t be measured through statistics
This is for sure: Rose closed the preseason in very strong, borderline dominant fashion. And Kirk Hinrich will be a stabilizing force in the season's tough early going.
Here's a photo of Johnson's article in the print version of the Tribune.
| Photo credit to John J. Kim, Chicago Tribune |
This is a somewhat shameful act of self-promotion on my part, as the previous articles links to a column I wrote last week for my school's paper, The Daily Illini.
Preview quote:
The Chicago Bulls opened the regular season on Oct. 29 at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks. The Bulls came out on top with the 104-80 victory. Kirk started in place for Jimmy Butler at shooting guard, added 12 points in 24 minutes.
The home opener was on Oct. 31 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kirk started for Butler yet again and tied Derrick Rose for the team's leading scorer with 20 points. He also had three-straight clutch shots to bring the Bulls back into the game; however, the Bulls fell in a 114-108 overtime loss. Kirk spoke to the media following the loss.
Listed below are Kirk's total statistics from October's regular season games.
Kicking Off the Quest for No. 7If there’s one thing that makes me happier than watching the Chicago Bulls play basketball, it’s watching Kirk Hinrich play for the Bulls, because I can’t imagine anything better than watching my favorite player compete for my favorite team, but for someone who’s also a huge fan of superstars like Derrick Rose and LeBron James, saying Kirk Hinrich is my favorite seems ridiculous. Sometimes it feels like I’m the only basketball fan left who still likes Hinrich.
| Photo credit to Chris Sweda, Chicago Tribune |
The home opener was on Oct. 31 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kirk started for Butler yet again and tied Derrick Rose for the team's leading scorer with 20 points. He also had three-straight clutch shots to bring the Bulls back into the game; however, the Bulls fell in a 114-108 overtime loss. Kirk spoke to the media following the loss.
Listed below are Kirk's total statistics from October's regular season games.
- Minutes
- Total: 58
- Average: 29
- Field Goals Made-Attempted
- Average:5.5-10.5
- Total: 11-21
- Field Goal Percentage: 52.38%
- 3-Point Field Goals Made-Attempted
- Average: 3-6
- Total: 6-12
- 3-Point Field Goal Percentage: 50.0%
- Free Throws Made-Attempted
- Average: 2-3
- Total: 4-6
- Free Throw Percentage: 66.67%
- Offensive Rebounds
- Average: 0.5
- Total: 1
- Defensive Rebounds
- Average: 1.0
- Total: 2
- Total Rebounds
- Average: 1.5
- Total: 3
- Assists
- Average: 0.5
- Total: 1
- Steals
- Average: 1.5
- Total: 3
- Blocks
- Average: N/A
- Total: 0
- Turnovers
- Average: 1.5
- Total: 3
- Personal Fouls:
- Average: 3.0
- Total: 6
- +/-
- Average: +5
- Total: +10
- Points
- Average: 16
- Total: 32
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